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A LESSONIN HISTORY

A home with a nod to the past can reap some serious rewards

Words: Cheryl Markosky

Battersea Power Station is one of London’s most iconic buildings

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Oceanic House

A duplex penthouse roaming over the original top floor and an entirely new storey above features a capacious master bedroom, his ‘n’ her en suites and dressing areas, three further bedrooms, formal dining area and terrace in the former premises of the White Star Line in London’s St James. »

£19.5mstruttandparker.com

PROPERTY

Chelsea Barracks

A brand new neighbourhood by Qatari Diar Europe on a bygone military site with an assortment of upper-scale homes – apartments, penthouses, mews and townhouses – shops, restaurants, sporting facilities, business lounge, health club and spa set in 13 acres.

Townhouses from £37mchelseabarracks.com

he word ‘iconic’ is one that Mark Hutton, head of sales at Grade II*-listed Battersea Power Station, uses

frequently when describing Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s mighty symbol of Art Deco industrial architecture. “It’s on the cover of Pink Floyd’s Animals album, in the British passport and a popular feature of London’s skyline,” he explains. “Not many developments can lay claim to this level of history.”

A period mansion, or a portion of a converted, ancient building, makes for a prestigious purchase. Mark notes that trophy hunters are stalking “big game” power station penthouses costing circa £20m. Others are content to own upscale homes in contemporary Circus West Village, or Frank Gehry and Norman Foster creations overlooking the much-admired station.

Another historic gem is Oceanic House – once headquarters of the White Star Line, owner of the legendary Titanic. “We’ve kept the façade, reinstated cornicing and restored doors in this grand place in London’s West End,” says Strutt & Parker’s Josh Ayres, adding that the

mix of generous ceiling heights and modish Poggenpohl kitchens appeals to buyers wanting a slice of English history with all the new bells and whistles.

Miles Wood at Chelsea Barracks reckons the scheme’s informed by the established locality – “apartments and houses in new garden squares inspired by classic Belgravia architecture” – with interest in the army garrison’s mid-Victorian chapel destined to be an arts venue. “We’re taking the best from the past and adapting it to how we live now,” he says.

A one-off antiquity is The King’s Observatory in Richmond, formerly King George III’s astronomical lookout. “You can have a fantastic experience in a fully functioning observatory with a telescope loaned by the Crown Estate,” points out Knight Frank’s Debbie Pinkham.

Georgian and Queen Anne manors top the charts, argues Savills’ Stephen Christie-Miller. “Buyers want the real McCoy offering character and a feeling of permanence,” he says. “Also, dwelling in an antique building helps preserve it for generations to come.”

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Holmwood

Nothing’s more English than a Grade II-listed Georgian pile near Henley-on-Thames with 11 bedrooms, limestone-floored hall and a dining room that seats 24. In the grounds you’ll discover a pool, tennis court, pizza oven, three cottages and elevated views across the Thames Valley.

£11.25msavills.com

NOTHING’S MORE ENGLISH THAN A

GRADE II-LISTED GEORGIAN PILE NEAR

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

PROPERTY

The King’s Observatory

Reach for the stars in a fully revolving dome observatory, originally built for King George III in 1769 so he could track the path of Venus crossing the sun. Budding astrologists can revel in four bedrooms and three reception rooms overlooking the property’s own lake and surrounded by 6.6 acres of grounds.

To let at £37,000 a monthknightfrank.com

Battersea Power Station

This dual aspect, riverside penthouse in Circus West Village is made up of five bedrooms, marble floored kitchen and bathrooms, Linley-designed joinery, study, gym and expansive terraces with views of the power station, Battersea Park, and Chelsea and Albert Bridges.

Circa £18mbatterseapowerstation.co.uk